Bill Esterson hears ambitious plans for Formby FC's former groun

Sefton Central Labour MP Bill Esterson this week heard about ambitious plans to get the town's young playing football - and return Formby FC back to Formby.

The MP met with the owner of Formby FC's former ground, Hugh Mcauley, to discuss his plans for the site.

Formby FC last week announced that they were moving from the Altcar Road site, where they have played for the last 11 years, and agreed a two-year ground-share with Burscough FC.

Hugh told Bill that the move will allow him to make improvements to the site, which will open it up to other clubs from Formby.

Speaking after the meeting, Bill said Hugh has some very ambitious plans for the site.

Bill said: "Hugh owns the land on which Formby FC has until recently played its matches. He also owns the land where he has recently had all-weather pitches installed.

"With Formby FC agreeing a two-year ground-share with Burscough FC, Hugh plans to use that time to make improvements to the ground, with improved facilities, including a grandstand, to hopefully provide a ground which will be suitable for Formby FC and for the league who demand certain standards.

"But as well as all this, Hugh wants to open the site up to other local clubs to use the facilities that are already there, including the new all-weather pitches. I know there has already been interest from a number of local teams.

"In fact, he fully expects to have hundreds of young people playing on the site from as soon as next season with better facilities for the young people of Formby."

Hugh told Bill that he hopes to fund the improvements by allowing Tesco to extend their store onto part of his land.

Bill said: "I am told that a public exhibition of the plans will be held which will give local people the opportunity to have their say. I welcome residents being given the chance to share their views on any proposed development.

"I look forward to seeing the plans as they are drawn up and hearing local views.

"I wish Hugh well and hope to see Formby FC back in Formby in the very near future."

Hugh said: "I'd like to thank Bill Esterson for making time to come along and see the new project at Formby and what we are trying to achieve here.

"This new venture will benefit children and adults from many sectors, and be fantastic for the schools in the local area."

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